Episcopal Consecration in the Russian District of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad

Source: Saint Petersburg and Northern Russian Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad

Most Reverend Fathers, monastics, brothers and sisters of our God-protected Diocese,

Following his election by the clergy of our Diocese and his approval by the bishops of our Russian Orthodox Church, on the feast of the Synaxis of the Venerable Elders of Optina, October 10/23, 2026, Archimandrite Sergius was consecrated to the episcopacy as Bishop of Porkhov, Vicar Bishop of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, serving the St. Petersburg and Northern Russian Administrative District of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad.

The consecration was performed by His Eminence Archbishop Sophrony, ruling hierarch of the Diocese of St. Petersburg and Northern Russia. Unfortunately, His Grace Bishop Andrew of Yarraville, Australia and New Zealand, who is temporarily overseeing the North American Diocese, was unable to attend; however, he conveyed his consent and blessing for the episcopal consecration.

At the invitation of the bishops of our Church, the following hierarchs also participated in the consecration: His Grace Bishop Akakios of Uteshitel, Chairman of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian True Orthodox Church, and His Grace Bishop Nektarios of Šumadija of the Serbian True Orthodox Church.

Our esteemed diocesan pastors who participated in this celebration, this spiritual feast, will surely carry a spark of its joy back to their respective parishes and strive to kindle the hearts of all the faithful.

The Most Reverend Mother Ambrosia, Abbess of the Bulgarian Monastery, together with her sisters, shared with us not only in the celebration of apostolic succession in our Church, but also in the feast day of her heavenly patron, St. Ambrose of Optina.

The monastics of the Lesna Monastery also joined us in prayer through the presence of our highly esteemed guest, Nun Antonia.

We are deeply grateful to all the lay faithful who made the pilgrimage to our monastery. All those who have served, labored, and prayed within its walls will always be remembered in its prayers.

Axios! Worthy! Axios!

translated from the russian original by rocana.org